Let’s start with the basics. Why is the number of cores so important anyway? Essentially, a core is an independent computing unit. The more cores a CPU has, the more tasks it can handle simultaneously.
Modern gaming projects actively use multithreading, i.e. distribution of tasks between several cores. For example, one core can be responsible for processing the game world, another for the work of artificial intelligence, and a third for physics or sound effects.
While most games used a maximum of two cores before, such projects are now considered a rarity. This is especially noticeable in AAA games, where visual effects, detailed environments, and complex logic require the use of 4, 6, and even 8 cores.
But it’s not just about games. When you launch a game, your computer continues to run a lot of background processes: the operating system, antiviruses, streaming software – all of this also requires resources. Therefore, for stable operation, it is important that the processor also has free cores.
Even if your graphics card is powerful, a lack of cores can become a bottleneck that limits performance.Â
How many cores do you need for comfortable gaming in 2025?
The answer to this question depends on how you plan to use your computer. If your main focus is casual gaming or less demanding titles like platformers or indie games, a quad-core processor will still be enough. But keep in mind that such processors are gradually becoming a thing of the past: in more demanding games, their performance is barely enough for minimum graphics settings and 1080p resolution.
For most modern games, six-core processors are the best choice. They are the golden mean for those who play demanding AAA projects or online games. Six cores provide stable FPS and the ability to comfortably switch between the gameplay and background tasks. For example, if you stream a game or use Discord for communication, a six-core processor will be quite sufficient.
However, with the rise of technologies like ray tracing and more detailed graphics, many gamers are starting to upgrade to eight-core processors. These CPUs are better at handling high graphics settings and 1440p or even 4K resolutions. Plus, more and more developers are optimizing their games for multithreading, which allows them to utilize eight or more cores.
If you love VR or need ultra-high frame rates (120 FPS and above), you will need a processor with 10 or more cores. Of course, they are more expensive, but they guarantee a power reserve for several years to come, especially if you play and simultaneously perform other resource-intensive tasks.
Is it worth buying a processor for growth?
Modern games, even the most resource-intensive ones, rarely use more than 8 threads simultaneously. The main efforts of developers are currently aimed at improving graphics and optimizing for modern six-core and eight-core processors. But still, every year the trend towards increasing the number of threads in games becomes more noticeable. Even today, games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield actively use the advantages of multithreading, offering more stable FPS on systems with a large number of cores.
If you plan to use your computer not only for gaming, but also for tasks such as streaming, graphics work, or video editing, buying a multitasking processor with a reserve will be more justified. For example, while you are playing your favorite game, a processor with a large number of cores will be able to process your stream in 4K or simultaneously convert a video file.
Another argument in favor of buying a processor with a reserve is the prospect for several years ahead. The video game industry is actively developing, and it is possible that in 2026- 2027, most new AAA projects will be optimized for 10-12 cores.
On the other hand, if you are on a budget, it would be wiser to invest in a more powerful graphics card or SSD. These are the components that have a decisive influence on gaming performance today. And you can return to the issue of upgrading the processor in a couple of years when the prices for powerful models drop.
